City presents Markham‑Cowan neighborhood plan draft schedule after bilingual outreach

City staff told the council Aug. 26 that the Markham‑Cowan neighborhood plan is proceeding after year‑to‑date outreach and technical analysis and that a draft plan will be published online for public review in September.

Planner Damir Powell said the city contracted Minteer Harnish to prepare the plan and launched the project in January 2025. Staff described an issues and opportunities report and an existing‑conditions workbook that analyzed demographics, housing, land use, circulation, public facilities and economic trends in the plan area, which includes Edward Markham Elementary School, the future Brown Street Park, Trauer Park, Rocky Hill Trail and commercial uses along East Monte Vista Avenue.

Public engagement has included bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach: mailed notices, door‑to‑door flyers, stakeholder interviews, pop‑up events, a neighborhood cleanup and a community workshop. Powell said a technical advisory committee of city departments reviewed constraints and opportunities and that staff will finalize vision, goals and recommended actions in phase 4.

Staff told the council the draft plan will be published online in September for comment; additional community meetings and planning commission review are scheduled this fall. Staff said the plan will focus on community character, facilities, economic supports, transportation and safety, community health and local services.

Ending

Staff recommended the council receive the informational presentation; the council did so and asked staff to continue community engagement and return with the draft for public review and commission feedback.